Opposition Day — Protecting the Education Budget — 18 Nov 2015 at 18:50

The majority of MPs voted against protecting the education budget in real terms, from the early years through to 19 years old.

The motion rejected by the majority of MPs in this vote was:

• That this House
• believes that a 21st century economy cannot be built on falling investment in education;
• notes that the 16-19 education budget fell by 14 per cent in real terms over the last Parliament, and that many colleges are reporting severe financial difficulties, including no longer offering courses in subjects key to our country’s competitiveness;
• further notes that over 100 chairs of further education colleges have warned that further cuts to 16-19 funding will tip their colleges over the precipice, and risk the nation’s productivity;
• believes that, given that the participation age has now risen to 18 years old, it makes no sense for the post-16 education budget to be treated with less importance than the 5-16 schools budget;
• further believes there should be a joined-up approach to education across departments; and
• calls on the Government to protect the education budget in real terms, from the early years through to 19 years old.

Debate in Parliament | Source |